May 22-24, 2008

Over the past several decades, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have grown in number, size and stature, and have become important actors influencing the conduct of business, including business-government interactions and the broader role of business in society. NGOs, which have been defined broadly as non-state, non-firm actors, may include environmental groups, business associations, labor unions, human rights organizations, consumer groups, church and religious groups, academic institutions, think tanks, trade and industry associations, grassroots not-for-profit organizations, and many others.

There is a rich and established record of business research that addresses the interactions between companies and other institutional and societal actors—chief among them, governments. Theoretical research streams such as stakeholder theory implicitly incorporate NGOs are relevant stakeholders. Nevertheless, there is very little research that explicitly examines the growing impact of NGOs on the business – government - society interface.

This colloquium featured papers and presentations from more than 30 scholars from around the world on the role of NGOs in the business-government-society interface. A Business & Society Special Issue is also being organized on this topic. Please see below for the call for papers for this issue.

Click here to view the colloquium program.

Call for Papers for Business & Society Special Issue

Click here to download the call for papers for the Business & Society special edition on the Role of Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Business–Government–Society Interface. The submission deadline is September 26, 2008.